Pyongyang

Pyongyang

Pyongyang is a microcosm of Korea’s past, present and future, from which one can learn about and experience the history, unique culture, wisdom, talents and enchanting customs of the Korean people. Located in the central northwestern part of the Korean Peninsula, Pyongyang is the capital of the DPRK and the heart of socialist Korea. With a population of over two million, it is divided into 19 administrative districts.

The city has been designated one of the Eight Scenic Wonders of Korea for its splendid views. The clear-water River Taedong and its tributaries harmonize with the Mangyong and Moran hills to create a veritable wonderland. Pyongyang is considered the cradle of the Korean nation, having served as the capital of both Kojoson (Ancient Korea) 5,000 years ago and of Koguryo, the powerful dynasty of the Orient.

Pyongyang is blessed with Mangyongdae, the native home of President Kim Il Sung, as well as Kim Il Sung University, which is associated with the revolutionary exploits of General Kim Jong Il. Pyongyang is replete with monumental structures including the Grand Monument of Mansu Hill and the Tower of the Juche Idea.

Monuments

Grand Monument on Mansu Hill

The Grand Monument on Mansu Hill shows in formative art the immortal history of the Korean people who conducted revolution under the leadership of President Kim Il Sung.

It was built in April Juche 61 (1972). The bronze statue of the President stands in the centre and two monuments titled "Anti-Japanese Revolutionary Struggle" and "Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction" are on its both sides.

A mosaic mural depicting Mt. Paektu, sacred mountain of revolution depicted as a mosaic on the front wall of the Korean Revolution Museum behind the grand memorials. The memorials are 22.5 m in height and 50 m each in length. The sculptures are 5 m high in average.

Tower of Juche

It was built on the shore of River Taedong to symbolize the immortal Juche idea created by the President in April Juche 71 (1982). It is 170 m in height.
The tower consists of a thematic sculpture of three
people, six auxiliary group
sculptures, two pergolas and two gigantic fountains in the middle of River Taedong. Marble and jade blocks in the wall of the niche part of the tower
were presented from the parties and public organizations to the tower. The top of the tower body which is served by a lift, affords a panoramic view of Pyongyang.

Kim II Sung Square

It is the principal square of the country where political events, mass demonstration and meetings and parades have been held on official holidays and various occasions starting from the mass rally of Pyongyang citizens celebrating the victory in the Korean War on July 28, Juche 42 (1953). Completed in August Juche 43 (1954), it covers an area of 75,000 sq.m

Arch of Triumph

It was built in April Juche 71 (1982) at the foot of Moran Hill to memorize the triumphal return of President Kim Il Sung. 10 500 blocks of granite were piled up. It is 60 m in height and 52.5 m in width.

The four columns were decorated by embossed images. And the years "1925" and "1945" carved in relief symbolize the years when the President embarked on revolution and liberated Korea. Carved in relief are the words of "Song of General Kim II Sung"

Mansudae Assembly Hall

As the national assembly hall of the DPRK situated in the central part of Pyongyang, it is the venue of important political events of the country.
Completed in October Juche 73 (1984). It has a total floor space of 45 000 square metres.

Monument to Party Founding

It was erected in October Juche 84 (1995) at Munsu Street, Taedonggang District with the height of 50 m to convey down the proud history of the Workers' Party of Korea composed of workers, farmers and intellectuals.
The monument depicts the hammer, sickle and brush seized by a worker, a farmer and an intellectual. And the round belt means the single-hearted unity of the leader, Party and people.

The Chollima Statue

The Chollima Statue shows the heroic mettle and indomitable spirit of the Korean people who made continued innovation and uninterrupted advance in the spirit of Chollima, a legendary horse running 400 km a day in the period of postwar great upsurge of Chollima. It was erected in April Juche 50 (1961) with the height of 46 m.

Monument to Victorious War

The Monument to Victorious Fatherland Liberation War was built to hand down the heroic mettle of the Korean People's Army and people who defeated the US troops and its allies in the Korean War and defended the freedom and independence of the country. It was erected in July Juche 82 (1993) on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the V-Day on the shore of picturesque River Pothong. It consists of the gateway, a monument to the autograph of the President and a monument to the dedicated poem on both sides, sculptures of Party flag and the battle flag, a theme sculpture "Victory" and ten auxiliary group sculptures

Friendship Tower

The Friendship Tower was set up in memory of heroic mettle of the Chinese Volunteers who fought in the Korean War and to enrich the DPRK-China friendship. It rises on the beautiful Moran Hill. First built in October in Juche 48 (1959) and enlarged in Juche 73 (1984), covering an area of 120 000m' with the height of 30 m. The tower was laid by 1 025 blocks of granite and marble stone symbolizing October 25 when China participated in the war.

LiberationTower

The Liberation Tower was built to hand down the mettle of the former Soviet soldiers to liberate Korea. Situated on the foot of Moran Hill, it was built in Juche 36 (1947) and enlarged in Juche 74 (1985) covering an area of 128 000m'. The tower is composed of a platform, the 3-story tower body and the top with pentacle.

Revolutionary Martyrs'Cementary

The Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery on Mt. Taesong has busts of revolutionaries who fought for the freedom and independence of the country. Situated on the top of Jujak Hill of Mt. Taesong, it was completed in Juche 64 (1975) and renovated in Juche 74 (1985). It covers and area of about 300 000 sq.m.
It is composed of a gateway, a gazebo, sections of sculptures, education and busts.
The monuments to the autograph of President Kim Il Sung and dedicated poem, sculptures and a hero medal-carved pedestal for placing floral tributes are in the section of education.
In the section. of busts are the busts of the revolutionaries and a magnificent flag stands as the background.

Monument to 3-Charter of
National Reunification

The monument symbolizes the three charters formulated by the Three Principles of National Reunification, the Plan of Establishing the Democratic Federal Republic of Koryo and the 10-Point Program of the Great Unity of the Whole Nation. It was built at the south approach to Thongil Street in August Juche 90 (2001). It depicts two women symbolizing north and south hang up the emblem of the Three Charters. Displayed inside are granite and marble plates presented by north, south and overseas Koreans.